The Scribe: Silas (Sons of Encouragement Series #5) [Hardcover]

Francine Rivers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2007

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final book in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this book tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets readers grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light—from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way readers will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren.

From AudioFile

Chris Fabry animates and freshens the story of Silas, a little-known scribe who recorded most of the New Testament scriptures. Fabry uses subtle inflections, Middle Eastern accents, and an urgent tone to tell Silas's story. Fabry's powerful characterizations of the anguish experienced by the Apostle Paul, and to a lesser extent Peter, during their final days are especially believable, as is their request to Silas--that he pray for them to remain faithful unto death. Listeners will be fascinated by the story of Silas's faith, the trials and temptations of early Christians, and the martyrdom of the apostles--all of which exalt Jesus Christ and reveal the steadfastness of God during the most extreme trials. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842382690
• ISBN-13: 978-0842382694
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and spiritually edifying, July 30, 2007

By 

Rachel A. Wesner (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Scribe: Silas (Sons of Encouragement Series #5) (Hardcover)

When I was a child, I became an avid reader when I picked up my first secular novel, and I was particularly facinated by historical novels because of my love for history. When I became a Christian, I was in such love with my Savior Jesus Christ that I couldn't get enough of Christian literature. I put aside novels for years. I never thought that there were good Christian novels available, except for romances and the like which only seemed to arouse in me sinful passions and desires. I ran across Francine Rivers somewhat inadvertently. It had been so long since I read a novel that I decided to try once more. "The Scribe" was the second of her books that I read within a couple-week period. I was shocked by the expertise of skill of her writing. She intrigued every facet of my interests, from a good story, to a historical drama, to a Biblical edification. Though much of the story of Silas's personal life in this book is fictional, the concept behind the fiction is so real-to-life for any Christian, that I was greatly helped in the Christian walk. This book is particularly a story of encouragement. Its center is God and the glorious strength that He gives to pick up His despondant servants. The book exalts Jesus Christ and magnifies the unchanging faithfulness and goodness of the Lord. I highly recommend it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great finish to a powerful biblical series, July 7, 2007

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Scribe: Silas (Sons of Encouragement Series #5) (Hardcover)

Silas has been the Scribe to Paul and Peter, but now warns the latter he and his wife must flee the city as the former has been arrested and the soldiers seek out his associate apostles. Like his peers, he struggles with why, but still bravely goes about risking his life to continue his work of writing down on parchment the words that one day will form a major religion. However, today his chore is to save the parchments.

The fifth Sons of Encouragement tale (see Aaron The Priest, Caleb The Warrior, Jonathan The Prince, Amos The Prophet) focuses on the scribe whose work kept alive the words of Paul and Peter long after they died. The key to this fine tale of a biblical sidekick is that the audience obtains a deep look at early days of Christianity and an insightful glimpse at Paul and to a lesser degree Peter, especially how each reflect on Jesus. Readers will appreciate this biblical biographical fiction that brings to life a person who sacrifices much behind the scenes so that the Kingdom of God on earth can open its tent to everyone. This is a great finish to a powerful series.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars time to get into the story, July 21, 2007

By 

J. Ruth - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Scribe: Silas (Sons of Encouragement Series #5) (Hardcover)

I have read all Francine Rivers novellas. She is truly has a godly gift and blessed for conveying important stories of the Bible many readers may not be familar with. Although the story of Silas the scribe was difficult for me to get emersed into. Once, I did get into the story I was wowed with all the Silas as well as the other displines endured after the resurrection of Jesus. The story impresses upon the reader that Silas and Paul are not only men of Christ spreading the word but are the first missionaries. The story happened in biblical times but one can not help but think of todays missionaries and wonder what persecution they must endure. I would reccommend this book but be patience with the story. You may need to read of the sorrow and sadness to get to the joy and happiness.